Ethnic Flames of the Burning Bush: An Exploration of Ethnic Relations in Congregations of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand

Why are the policies of a church at national level, which seek to bring together people of different cultures and ethnicities as one people in Christ, so seldom reflected in local congregations and parishes?New Zealand Presbyterian minister Rev Dr Tokerau Joseph shares the insights gained from his doctoral research into this topic. While his study focussed on the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand (PCANZ), his findings are also relevant to other denominations with multi-cultural and multi-ethnic parishes and congregations.
This exercise in practical theology examines the tension between two realities. On the one hand, there are the stated policies of the PCANZ that encourage its members to live out a diverse life together. On the other hand, there is the reality that PCANZ congregations reflect ethnic homogeneity rather than diversity. The author observes the extent to which the ethnic composition of congregations is influenced by people's theological understanding of the church and of their Christian identity, as opposed to tendencies affirming their ethnic/cultural identity.
Tokerau Joseph challenges and encourages people in congregations to learn to live out more faithfully our ecclesiology of unity in diversity. This will involve re-evaluating our Christian identity, cross-cultural engagements, a pan-Pacific model of church, and the sacrament of Holy Communion. He hopes that this book will be thought-provoking and impactful for change in people's lives. Key topics discussed are:.
Ethnicity matters. An ecclesiology of unity in diversity. The historical development of PCANZ ethnic components. Ethnic relations in congregations, and. Rethinking our fellowshipThe book includes a full bibliography and references. Praise for Ethnic Flames of the Burning Bush"All around the world people are on the move in what has been called the new migration. Largely this is from majority world countries to the west, creating significant ethnic diversity where there was previously a significant European majority, and New Zealand is at the leading edge of this.
Many of these people are Christian, and initially they established their own ethnic churches, but as they move into the second generation and beyond most desire to be in multiethnic churches, and research shows these are the most rapidly growing churches. Tokerau Joseph's work explores this in the context of Aotearoa New Zealand and provides a highly needed understanding, some helpful practical insights, and a solid theological base to help churches engage with this challenging but much needed task." Rev Dr Kevin Ward, former Senior Lecturer and Acting Principal of Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership"This is a significant book.
For far too long the Pacific presence in New Zealand and its churches has been siloed, hidden from view in strong but isolated Pasifika churches in very specific churches. But now a very significant moment is happening gradually as Pasifika people mostly from the generation born in this country sit down beside us, their Palagi brothers and sisters. It is a development that cannot be taken for granted and must involve changes for all of us.
Tokerau Joseph has researched the issue and now brings us the book we need. I urge all to read this book carefully and digest its implications carefully. And I thank its author for boldly pioneering the way." Dr Peter Lineham, Professor Emeritus of History, Massey University